Snow in August - Pete Hamill
The author is better known for his autobiographical journey into and out of drunkenness, which, IIRC was called A Drinking Life. I read that, but wasn't impressed. I hear the stories of enough unrepentant (or temporarily repentant) alcoholics to find much enjoyment in that.
Snow in August is one of those books that can be described as "extremely magickal". Hamill's skill with the written word and vivid descriptions of time and place transports you to the world of the Brooklyn Dodgers when Jackie Robinson is breaking the color barrier. An 11 year old Catholic boy becomes the Shabbes Goy for an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi. Well, I really shouldn't tell you much more than that. It's a great read, one that I recommend highly. I lent this book to my boss a couple years ago and his wife won't let him return it to me.
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